Description
Product Introduction
The GE Fanuc IC693ALG442 is a combination analog I/O module designed for Series 90-30 PLC racks. It integrates 4 analog input channels and 2 analog output channels onto a single slot board, making it an ideal choice for compact control setups where backplane slot space is at a premium.
By combining configurable input ranges (0 to 10V, -10 to +10V, 0 to 20mA, and 4 to 20mA) with 2 multi-range output channels, the IC693ALG442 simplifies standalone PID loop control. It eliminates the need to buy and mount separate input and output cards, delivering high-density performance and 12-bit conversion accuracy directly to the CPU backplane.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Input Channels | 4 single-ended / differential analog inputs |
| Output Channels | 2 single-ended analog outputs |
| Signal Ranges (Inputs & Outputs) | 0 to 10 VDC, -10 to +10 VDC, 0 to 20 mA, 4 to 20 mA |
| Resolution | 12-bit binary (1 part in 4096) |
| Update Rate | 5 ms for all inputs and outputs |
| External Power Requirement | 24 VDC external loop supply (20 to 30 VDC range) |
| Input Impedance | 250 ohms (current mode), > 1 Mohm (voltage mode) |
| Output Load Resistance | 0 to 850 ohms (current mode), 2000 ohms min (voltage mode) |
| Isolation | 1500V RMS channel-to-backplane |
| Diagnostics | Open-wire, over-range, and low-voltage field power fault flags |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
It was 1:15 AM on a Sunday at a regional plastics extrusion plant when line 3 ground to a sudden halt. A high-voltage spike from a failing heating element bridged into the analog control circuit, blowing out both the pressure feedback input and the screw speed output on the local PLC rack. The plant was running a tight production run with severe contract delivery penalties. Finding two separate replacement cards (one input, one output) at that hour was impossible, but a single IC693ALG442 combo card in local surplus stock saved the day.
Application Scenarios
- Plastics Extrusion – Closed-Loop Control: Reads barrel temperature and melt pressure signals via the 4 inputs while driving the main extruder drive and puller speed via the 2 outputs.
- HVAC & Cleanroom Air Handling: Monitors duct static pressure, return temperature, and humidity while driving chilled-water valves and supply fan VFDs.
- Package Boiler Control: Manages drum level and steam pressure inputs while directly driving fuel control valves and forced-draft fan dampers.
- Pumping Stations – Booster Sets: Tracks suction and discharge pressures on the inputs to modulate two variable-speed booster pumps on the outputs.
Field Case Study
A municipal wastewater pumping station in Indiana experienced an analog section outage on their main lift-station controller. The original IC693ALG442 had two shorted channels, leaving the system unable to monitor wet-well level or modulate the primary variable-speed pump. Overflow risk was rising by the hour. We pulled a fully bench-tested IC693ALG442 from our inventory and arranged emergency drop-shipment. The technician arrived on-site, swapped the unit, wired the 24V loop power, and had the station back in automatic PID control within two hours of delivery—preventing a costly environmental spill.
IC693ALG442
IC693ALG442
IC693ALG442
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We treat every surplus IC693ALG442 module to rigorous physical and live bench verification before it earns a spot in our shipping queue.
- Inbound Inspection: Detailed physical check for trace physical damage, bent connector pins, latch integrity, and original GE hardware revision tags.
- Live Rack Setup: Slotted into an active GE Series 90-30 rack (IC693CHS397 baseplate with an IC693CPU364) to confirm immediate backplane handshake and CPU registration.
- Loop & Range Verification: Connected to a Precision Fluke 789 Loop Calibrator. Inputs and outputs are swept through 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% test points on both current (4-20mA) and voltage (0-10V) modes to confirm 12-bit conversion linearity.
- Continuous Thermal Load Test: Powered under full load (external 24V DC loop power applied with 500-ohm output loading) in an environmental test chamber for 4 hours to verify zero thermal drift.
- ESD Packaging & Labeling: System diagnostic logs are cleared, and the card is sealed in an anti-static bag with custom-molded protective foam inserts.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
- ⚠️ Check Your External 24V DC Power Supply: The needs an external 24 VDC power supply connected to the terminal block to power both the current loop inputs and output driver stages. If this external 24V supply drops out or is wired with reverse polarity, all analog reads will fail to 0 and outputs will collapse, even if the CPU logic shows normal execution.
- ❗ Never Pull or Insert Under Power: The GE Series 90-30 backplane does not support hot-swapping. Pulling this card while the rack power supply (IC693PWR330 or similar) is energized can cause an inductive arc that damages the backplane connectors and corrupts PLC RAM. Shut down rack power first.
- ⚠️ Voltage vs. Current Terminal Pinouts: Voltage and current terminals are separate on the terminal block connector! Wiring a 4-20mA transmitter into a voltage input terminal will give erratic or zero readings and can damage the internal sensing circuit over time. Double-check your wire markers against the door wiring diagram before landing leads.
- ❗ Jumper Settings vs. Software Config: Depending on your hardware revision, ensure that jumpers for voltage/current select match your CPU hardware configuration in Proficy Machine Edition or Logicmaster 90. Mismatches between hardware jumpers and software configuration will trigger backplane fault flags.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ for Conversion)
Q: Is the GE Fanuc hot-swappable?
A: No. You must turn off main power to the Series 90-30 rack before removing or installing this module. Attempting to swap it while energized can damage the module and backplane board.
Q: Can I use both voltage and current signals on the same card?
A: Yes. Each of the 4 input channels and 2 output channels can be independently configured for either voltage or current operation via your programming software and hardware jumper settings.
Q: What is the primary difference between the and using separate ALG223 / ALG391 cards?
A: The combines 4 inputs and 2 outputs into a single rack slot, saving space and cost for small-scale applications. Separate cards like the ALG223 (16 inputs) or ALG391 (2 outputs) offer higher channel counts per function when density for a single signal type is required.
Q: Does this card supply loop power directly to 2-wire transmitters?
A: No. An external user-supplied 24 VDC power supply must be wired in series with 2-wire field transmitters and connected to the card’s field power terminals to drive the current loops.
Q: What warranty is included with this surplus card?
A: Every module comes backed by a comprehensive 12-month replacement warranty. All units are genuine GE Fanuc equipment sourced from plant spare inventories and fully bench-tested under real operational loads.
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